Comparing printer models

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for comparing different models of printers are provided. According to one embodiment, a system for comparing printers includes at least one web portal configured to receive a user&#39;s selection of two models of printers to be compared. The system further includes a printer analysis server configured to receive the user&#39;s selection via a first network. A plurality of sample printers is connected to the printer analysis server via a second network. The printer analysis server is configured to establish communication with two sample printers of the plurality of sample printers, the two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models. The printer analysis server is further configured to provide a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers and analyze print output results from the two sample printers, wherein the print output results may then be provided to the user.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to printers and more particularly relates to systems and methods for comparing different models of printers.

BACKGROUND

Different types of printers are used today for various purposes. For example, many printers may be designed for an office environment and are capable of printing on standard-sized sheets of paper. Other types of printers may be used in other environments, such as those designed for printing thermal transfer images onto labels (e.g., barcode labels, shipping labels, and other similar types of thermal transfer labels).

When a customer is shopping for an acceptable printer for a particular purpose, the customer may be required to do a considerable amount of research to decide which printer to purchase. Even with a large amount of information, it can still be difficult to choose, particularly since a comparison of printers normally does not involve testing actual printers. Also, when replacing an existing printer, the customer may wish to analyze one or more new printers to determine the compatibility of the new printers to replace the existing printer. Therefore, a need exists for systems and methods for enabling an analysis of the compatibility of different printers and for assisting a customer in the process of replacing an existing printer.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, the present invention embraces various systems and methods for comparing different models of printers. In one exemplary embodiment, a system for comparing printers includes at least one web portal configured to receive a user's selection of two models of printers to be compared. Also, the system includes a printer analysis server configured to receive the user's selection via a first network. The system further comprises a plurality of sample printers connected to the printer analysis server via a second network. The printer analysis server is configured to establish communication with two sample printers of the plurality of sample printers, the two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models.

Furthermore, the printer analysis server is further configured to receive a data stream of print commands, which may be provided by the user, and to transmit this data stream to the two sample printers. Then, the printer analysis server can analyze print output results from the two sample printers.

In another exemplary embodiment, a specific printer analysis server is provided. The printer analysis server includes a printer communication device configured to establish communication with two sample printers corresponding to two selected models of printers. The printer communication device is further configured to transmit a data stream to the two sample printers. The printer analysis server also includes a comparison tool configured to provide a compatibility analysis based on buffer data obtained from the two sample printers in response to the data stream.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, a method for comparing printers is provided. The method comprises the steps of establishing communication with two sample printers corresponding to two printer models to be compared, providing a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers, and performing a compatibility analysis based on buffer data obtained from the two sample printers.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 schematically depicts a system for comparing different models of printers, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 2 schematically depicts a block diagram of the printer analysis server shown in FIG. 1, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 3 schematically depicts a diagram of a graphical user interface enabling a user to initiate a printer comparison procedure, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 4 schematically depicts a diagram of a graphical user interface for explaining the printer comparison procedure, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 5 schematically depicts a diagram of a graphical user interface for showing images related to the printer comparison procedure, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 6 schematically depicts a diagram of a graphical user interface showing a command analysis in the printer comparison procedure, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 7 schematically depicts a diagram of a graphical user interface showing supported and unsupported commands of an uploaded data stream in the printer comparison procedure, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 8 schematically depicts a flow diagram of a method for comparing models of printers, according to various embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is directed to systems and methods for comparing different models of printers. A customer in the market for a new printer or a user wishing to compare possible replacement printers can request to compare printers. Actual printers representing the printer models to be compared are tested remotely and the results can then be provided to the customer or user.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a system 10 for comparing different models of printers and providing results of the comparison to a user. The system 10, according to the embodiment of FIG. 1, includes a printer analysis server 12, a communication network 14, and one or more web portals 16. The web portals 16 may be desktop computers, laptop computers, customer terminals, kiosks, mobile phones, tablets, PDA devices, or other suitable electronic devices associated with a customer. The web portals 16 may represent user devices that are positioned in remote locations from the printer analysis server 12. Thus, the network 14 may be a wide area network or other type of network to enable users to remotely access the printer analysis server 12. The network 14 may be configured as a virtual private network for enabling secure access by authorized users only.

The system 10 of FIG. 1 also includes a printer network 18 connected to the printer analysis server 12 and a plurality of printers 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D (collectively referred to by reference numeral 20) connected to the printer network 18. Although four printers 20 are illustrated in FIG. 1, it should be noted that the system 10 may include any number of actual printers 20 used as samples for comparison.

Each printer 20 is connected in the system 10 to be a representative of a certain model of printer. In one example, the printers 20 may include various types or models of printers from a number of different manufacturers or vendors. Hence, a user may wish to compare a first model printer from a first manufacturer with a potentially compatible model printer from a different manufacturer. By directly connecting the printers 20 to the printer network 18, an accurate analysis can be performed on actual printers without the need for the user to have direct access to these particular models of printers.

In operation, a user of one of the web portals 16 may log onto the printer analysis server 12 and enter two different printer models that the user wishes to have compared. In response to the selection of printers, the printer analysis server 12 is configured to provide a print data stream to the selected printers 20 via the printer network 18. The printer analysis server 12 analyzes the resulting printer buffer from the selected printers and prepares images that the user can view on the web portal 16. In this way, the user is given an unbiased compatibility analysis of the printers 20, perhaps in order to help the user make a decision about purchasing or replacing a certain model of printer.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the printer analysis server 12 shown in FIG. 1. According to this embodiment, the printer analysis server 12 includes a processing device 22, a printer communication device 24, a comparison tool 26, and a network interface 28, each interconnected via a bus interface 30. The network interface 28 may be configured to enable the printer analysis server 12 to communicate with the web portals 16 via the network 14. The printer communication device 24 may be configured to enable the printer analysis server 12 to communicate with the printers 20 via the printer network 18.

The processing device 22 may include one or more processors or microprocessors for managing the operations of the printer analysis server 12. The comparison tool 26, according to some embodiments, may be configured as hardware in the processing device 22 and may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or other circuit or means for comparing printer models. In other embodiments, the comparison tool 26 may be configured partially or entirely in software and/or firmware and stored in memory. When configured in software and/or firmware, the comparison tool 26 may include programs or instructions for enabling the processing device 22 to execute printer comparison procedures as described in the present disclosure.

FIGS. 3-7 depict various screen shots, windows, displays, web pages, graphical user interfaces, and/or other suitable display interfaces. These display interfaces are communicated from the printer analysis server 12 to the respective web portal 16, as needed, according to the printer analysis procedures disclosed herein. The display interfaces shown in FIGS. 3-7 may be presented on screens or display devices of the web portals 16 utilized by the users during the printer analysis procedures.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an analysis initiation window 34 that enables a user to initiate a printer comparison procedure. The analysis initiation window 34 includes a field 36 allowing a user to enter his or her email address. In some embodiments, the comparison tool 26 may be configured to provide test results of a side-by-side comparison of two selected printers to the email address provided in field 36.

A printer comparison field 38 allows the user to select the two printers that the user wishes to compare. In this example, the first and second model printers are selected for comparison. Field 40 allows the user to select the resolution and field 42 allows the user to select the length of the medium on which the printer is configured to print.

In addition to allowing the user to select the printers, resolution, and media length, the analysis initiation window 34 also includes a select file button 44 enabling the user to select a file, such as by browsing the filing system of the user's computer, or web portal 16. In some embodiments, the printer analysis server 12 may provide a default file if one is not selected by the user. The selected file will be a print data stream that would normally be transmitted to a printer. When the user has made the selections, the user may then press or click on the start analysis button 46, which notifies the printer analysis server 12 to begin the comparison of the selected printers.

At this point, the printer analysis server 12 establishes communication channels with the selected printers 20, which correspond to those printers selected by the user in the printer comparison field 38. The printer analysis server 12 communicates the uploaded print file that was selected using the select file button 44 (or communicates a default print data stream file) to the selected printers 20.

In response to supplying the file (i.e., the print data stream file) to the selected printers 20, the printer analysis server 12 waits to receive an image buffer from each of the selected printers 20. The printer analysis server 12 processes the image buffer information and stores multiple parameters regarding the image buffer information, including information related to a comparison of the two printers. The printer analysis server 12 may then present the results of the comparison to the web portal 16.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of a graphical user interface 50 for explaining the printer comparison procedures. In some embodiments, the fields and buttons 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 shown in FIG. 3 may be displayed in the graphical user interface 50 of FIG. 4 and also in the graphical user interfaces shown in FIGS. 5-7. The fields and buttons 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, and 46 may be displayed as shown in FIGS. 4-7 or in any suitable configuration.

In addition, the graphical user interface 50 may also include a plurality of tabs 52 a, 52 b, 52 c, 52 d, 52 e, and 52 f (collectively referred to by reference numeral 52) enabling a user to select various views. The tabs 52 may be displayed in the graphical user interface 50 of FIG. 4 as well as in one or more of the graphical user interfaces of FIGS. 5-7.

In particular, graphical user interface 50 of FIG. 4 shows a view when the user selects the “how-to” tab 52 a of the plurality of tabs 52. The how-to window section 54 includes an overview of how the comparison tool 26 functions. The how-to section 54 also gives instructions for the user and shows what type of results the user might expect.

FIG. 5 shows an embodiment of a graphical user interface 56 that is displayed, for instance, when the “image comparison” tab 52 c is selected from the plurality of tabs 52. An image comparison window section 57 includes images obtained from the image buffer data received from the selected printers 20. A first image 58 shows a representation of how the first model printer (e.g., printer model ABC123) would print a sample shipping label in response to the data stream provided to the respective printer 20 corresponding to the first model printer. It should be noted that the first image 58 may be based on the image buffer received from the respective printer 20 that corresponds to the first model printer. A second image 60 shows a representation of how the second model printer (e.g., printer model XYZ8000) would print the same sample shipping label in response to the same data stream provided to the respective printer 20 that corresponds to the second model printer. The second image 60 may be based on the image buffer received from the respective printer 20 that corresponds to the second model printer.

In addition, the comparison tool 26 of the printer analysis server 12 is further configured to calculate a difference image 62, which can also be displayed on the graphical user interface 56. The comparison tool 26 may be configured to perform a subtraction function to compare each pixel of the first image 58 with pixels of the second image 60 to obtain the difference image 62. As can be seen in the exemplary difference image 62, the difference between the two printers may be minimal.

Furthermore, the graphical user interface 56 of FIG. 5 includes a voting response interface 64. After the user has had a chance to view the images 58, 60, and 62, the voting response interface 64 allows the user to make a determination as to whether or not he or she believes that one printer (e.g., the second printer “XYZ8000”) is acceptable or is compatible with the other printer (e.g., the first printer “ABC123”). Since a comparison of printers might be best scrutinized by viewing actual images, the user may be able to determine if the differences in the two printers is noticeable and whether or not one printer (e.g., XYZ8000) can effectively emulate another printer (e.g., ABC123).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a graphical user interface 70 for showing a command analysis section 72, which may be displayed when the “command analysis” tab 52 d is selected from the plurality of tabs 52. The command analysis section 72 of the graphical user interface 70 includes two columns for categorizing the print commands of the print data stream as to whether or not the print commands are supported by a second printer when the data stream is in a programming language specifically intended for the first printer. For example, given that the first printer uses a first printer command language, the graphical user interface 70 shows how well the printer command language of the second printer is able to emulate the first language.

In particular, the specific print commands (e.g., ^A, ^A0, ^AB, etc.) of the first printer command language that are supported by the second printer are displayed in the first column of the command analysis section 72. Also, the description (e.g., “scalable/bitmap font,” “scalable font 0,” “bitmap font B,” etc.) of those commands of the first language are also displayed in the first column. The unsupported commands are displayed in the second column of the command analysis section 72. In this example, there are no unsupported commands, which can suggest to the customer that the second printer is able to adequately emulate the printer language of the first printer.

FIG. 7 shows and embodiment of a graphical user interface 74 showing supported and unsupported commands of the specific data stream provided to the printers 20. The graphical user interface 74 includes a data stream section 76, which may be shown when the data stream tab 52 e is selected. In this example, the print commands may be listed in a single column.

However, the supported commands may be distinguished from the unsupported commands using different display characteristics than those described with respect to FIG. 6. For example, supported commands in FIG. 7 may be displayed using a first color (e.g., green), while the unsupported commands may be displayed using another color (e.g., red).

According to other embodiments, the supported and unsupported commands may be distinguished from each other by other display methods. For example, supported commands may be displayed in bold text, while unsupported commands may be displayed using normal text, or vice versa. Alternatively, supported commands may be displayed in normal text, while unsupported commands may be displayed in italics or using a larger or smaller font size, or vice versa.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 80 for comparing models of printers. The method 80 may be executed by the printer analysis server 12 shown in FIG. 1. More particularly, the method 80 may be executed by the comparison tool 26 shown in FIG. 2.

Method 80 includes a first step of receiving a user's selection of two models of printers for side-by-side comparison, as indicated in block 82. Block 84 includes the step of receiving a print data stream from a web portal. In an alternative embodiment, the printer analysis server 12 may store a default data stream to be used when no data stream is uploaded by the user via the web portal 16.

With the selection of printer models, the method 80 further includes block 86, which includes the step of establishing communication channels with two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models. The two sample printers are the actual printers 20 representing the corresponding printer models that were selected in block 82. Block 88 indicates that the print data stream is then provided to the two sample printers. Based on the print data stream, the two sample printers will output buffer data, which is obtained according to block 90.

With the buffer data obtained from the sample printers, the method 80 further includes performing an image comparison based on the buffer data obtained from the two printers, as indicated in block 92. As indicated in block 94, the method 80 includes performing a command analysis based on the buffer data obtained from the sample printers. The image comparison results and command analysis results are then provided to the user, as indicated in block 96.

Block 96 may further include providing access to web pages to allow a user to view different aspects of the results of the image comparison and results of the command analysis. In other embodiments, results of the comparison may be sent as an email message or email attachment to the email address that the user enters in the field 36 shown in FIG. 3.

The web pages or email messages/attachments may include any number of pages. A first page may be presented to a user interface of a web portal to display a home page, which, according to some embodiments, may resemble the graphical user interface 50 of FIG. 4. The home page may include links to additional pages for enabling the user to view instructions on how the comparison tool operates, to view images obtained from the print image buffer data from each of the two selected printers, to view an image showing the pixel differences between the two buffer data images, to enable a user to provide feedback (e.g., a vote as to whether or not the second printer acceptably emulates the first printer), to view a list of supported and/or unsupported print commands, etc.

To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates entirely by reference the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications:

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for comparing printers, the system comprising: a web portal configured to receive a user's selection of two models of printers to be compared; a printer analysis server configured to receive the user's selection via a first network, the printer analysis server comprising a comparison tool; and a plurality of sample printers connected to the printer analysis server via a second network; wherein the printer analysis server is configured to establish communication with two sample printers of the plurality of sample printers, the two sample printers corresponding to the two selected printer models; wherein the printer analysis server is further configured to transmit a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers and to receive image buffer data from the two sample printers in response to the data stream; and wherein the comparison tool is configured to analyze print output results from the two sample printers by creating electronic images representing print images of the two sample printers from the received image buffer data and creating a difference image representing the pixel differences between the electronic images.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the print output results from the two sample printers includes the image buffer data.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first network is a virtual private network.
 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the second network is a local area network.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the web portal is configured to send the data stream to the printer analysis server.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer analysis server is configured to send comparison results to a remote address associated with the user.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer analysis server is configured to send comparison results to a graphical user interface of the web portal.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein the comparison results include electronic images representative of print images of the two sample printers and/or the difference image representative of the pixel differences between the print images of the two sample printers.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein the web portal is further configured to provide user feedback to the printer analysis server regarding the acceptability of a first of the two sample printers to emulate a second of the two sample printers.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the printer analysis server analyzes the response of the two sample printers to compare the two sample printers in order to assess the compatibility of a first printer model to replace a second printer model.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the printer analysis server assesses the compatibility of the first printer model to replace the second printer model by determining print commands that are supported by the first printer model and print commands that are not supported by the first printer model.
 12. A printer analysis server comprising: a printer communication device configured to establish communication with two sample printers corresponding to two selected models of printers, the printer communication device further configured to provide a data stream to the two sample printers; and a comparison tool configured to determine results of a comparison of image buffer data obtained from the two sample printers in response to the data stream, the comparison tool being configured to create electronic images representing print images of the two sample printers in response to the data stream and to create a difference image representing the pixel differences between the electronic images.
 13. The printer analysis server of claim 12, further comprising a network interface configured to communicate with at least one web portal via a secure network.
 14. The printer analysis server of claim 13, wherein the printer communication device is configured to utilize a first software component to communicate with the sample printers and the network interface is configured to utilize a second software component to communicate the comparison results to the at least one web portal.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the network interface is configured to send comparison results to a graphical user interface of the web portal.
 16. The printer analysis server of claim 12, wherein the comparison tool is configured to assess the compatibility of a first printer model to replace a second printer model.
 17. A method for comparing printers, the method comprising the steps of: establishing communication with two sample printers corresponding to two printer models to be compared; providing a data stream of print commands to the two sample printers; and determining results of a comparison of image buffer data obtained from the two sample printers by: creating electronic images representing print images of the two sample printers; calculating a difference image representing pixel differences between the print images of the two sample printers; and determining whether or not a second printer model is capable of supporting print commands associated with a first printer model.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving a user's selection of the two printer models to be compared.
 19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of transmitting the results of the comparison to a web portal associated with a user.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein the results of the comparison are transmitted to a graphical user interface of the web portal.
 21. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of receiving user feedback regarding the acceptability of a first printer of the two sample printers to emulate a second of the two sample printers. 